Juniperus squamata Blue Star - Scale juniper

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' is a dwarf variety of scale-like juniper that over time forms a pretty flattened ball. Blue-silver in colour, it is decorative throughout the year. This small conifer is appealing for its density and its very bright colour, but also for its tolerance to limestone and its hardiness. It can be planted prominently in rock gardens and containers, in small groups on a slope, and at the edge of a terrace or a path. It also pairs well with other dwarf shrubs or conifers.

The scale-like juniper, also known as the Nepal Juniper, gets its name from its old needles that it keeps at the base of the branches. It is a species native to the mountains of the Himalayas and China, at an altitude between 1600 m and 4900 m (5249 ft to 16076.1 ft). Therefore, it is a highly hardy conifer (down to -25° C (-13° F)) and not very demanding. It belongs to the Cupressaceae family, just like its cousins Thuja, Cypress, or Chamaecyparis. Not picky about the substrate, this juniper even accepts poor, neutral to calcareous soil, provided it is well-drained, as it does not like excess water in winter. Once well-rooted, it can withstand occasional drought, but dislikes hot climates. Junipers have a shallow root system, which sometimes makes them difficult to grow with perennials.

This 'Blue Star' variety is a natural mutation of the cultivar 'Meyeri' selected in the Netherlands by Gebr. Hoogeveen in 1950. After 10 years, this small conifer forms a very dense small bush, with a broad and spreading ball habit, measuring approximately 60 cm (23.6 in) in height with a spread of 1 m (3.3 ft), depending on the growing conditions. Its branches are adorned with short spines of a beautiful green-blue-silver colour. They bear needle-shaped leaves and imbricate scales when mature. This juniper does not produce berries.

Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star' juniper can be planted above a wall or below a wall, or near a swimming pool, as it blends well with geometric lines and masonry work. It is also excellent as a slope cover or in a large rock garden, provided it can be watered in the early years. Don't hesitate to mix it with other dwarf conifers, and vary the shapes and colours for a beautiful contrast. In a contemporary garden, its spreading habit will work wonders alongside columnar plants such as the fastigiate common yew or the Juniperus Blue Arrow, for example.